Genetics play a huge role in body types, there’s no denying that. However, everyday choices and habits play an even bigger role.
One slice of pizza and a beer won’t make you fat, just like eating one salad won’t instantly make you skinny—it’s what you choose to do every day that adds up and gets you closer to our goals… or pushes you further away from them.
That is why creating healthy habits is the key to success. But, what healthy habits should you adopt?
Habits to Start Living a Healthy Life Today
- Drink a lot of water.
I like to to fill up a gallon with water and carry it around with me for the day.Looking at all of the water I need to drink for the day (and then some) keeps me on top of making sure I’m drinking enough throughout the day and am done before bed. - Get more sleep.
We’re all guilty of staying up too late binge watching Netflix or wasting countless hours online.But if you want to commit to a healthier lifestyle, sleep has got to be one of your top priorities. If you’re serious about getting healthier and losing a little weight, skip the late night television and get some sleep already. It will make those morning workouts a lot more bearable, too.I have two toddlers at home, but I also know that they are both asleep by 8PM and if I go to sleep at 10PM, that still gives me two hours of me time. Just use that time wisely so you don’t feel deprived.
- Don’t skip breakfast.
Breakfast literally breaks the fast you have been in for several hours since you last ate.It’s super important to fuel your mornings and start off on the right track. It’s also important for your metabolism. - Find an exercise you enjoy & have fun!
There’s nothing that will keep you from working out more than dreading what you have to do. If you don’t like running, don’t run. If you don’t like yoga, don’t do it. Find what you enjoy (there is something out there) and stick to it.Finding an exercise you enjoy will make you want to actually do it and miss it when you don’t. It can be swimming, dancing, hiking, CrossFit… whatever. Just try different things out and stick to the ones you love. - Follow the 80/20 rule.
The myth that ultra-fit people don’t enjoy a drink from time to time and live on nothing but chicken, broccoli and brown rice is just that — a myth.You have to practice moderation when it comes to your diet.80% of the time eat in the way that emphasizes fruits and vegetables and high-quality meats, eggs and fish while limiting processed food, simple sugar, hydrogenated oil and alcohol, then 20% of time you can eat whatever you want.
In practical terms, that’s about one in every six or seven meals.
- When you fall off the wagon, pick right back up.
Don’t waste time regretting what you just ate or the workout you just skipped. It’s fine, you’re not going to die. Just get pick back up right where you left off and keep going. - Take a lunch break walk.
If you sit at work all day, get up and move a bit while at work. The more active you are, the better. - Meal plan.
Meal planning will help you stay on track and save you money. You’ll know exactly what you’re going to cook and don’t have to figure it out last minute (which often leads to poor decisions). You can also make sure you plan meals that fit your dietary needs. I use the Simply Fit Planner to meal plan and it has been a game changer for me.
Related: Super Easy 21 Day Clean Eating Meal Plan - Schedule workouts in advance.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, you will waste a ton of your workout time trying to figure out what to do and will take extra long breaks because you won’t know what to do next.If you schedule your workouts in advance, you will know exactly what to do and will not waste a ton of time. - Keep track of your progress.
Keeping track of what you’re doing and how your body is changing while you do it will let you know what is working and what is not. This will allow you to make changes, as needed, so you can see the results you crave.I also use the SimplyFit Planner to track what I’m doing- life saver!
- Find likeminded friends!
Have you ever noticed that when your friends order pizza, and you’re totally indifferent, you still end up eating pizza? Hanging out with like-minded people can help you stick to your goals.If your bff wants to hit up that spin class instead of brunch this weekend, you might want to keep her close by. It’s much easier to stay consistent when you’ve got a partner or two by your side!
